On June 9, 2025, WWE RAW electrified fans in Phoenix, Arizona, delivering one of its most eventful episodes in recent memory. The show was packed with pivotal moments, including a new World Heavyweight Champion being crowned, dramatic returns from Bayley and Asuka, and a headline-making confrontation as CM Punk confronts John Cena for WWE Night of Champions.
Longtime followers of WWE, as well as new viewers, witnessed intense rivalries, emotional returns, and major announcements that set the stage for the remainder of the wrestling season. With all eyes on the next Night of Champions event, RAW proved to be a memorable night for both wrestlers and fans alike.
CM Punk and John Cena Face Off for the Last Time
One of RAW’s most talked-about moments came when CM Punk confronted John Cena in the ring, launching a series of sharp verbal attacks against the Undisputed WWE Champion. Punk made it clear that he was not interested in aligning himself with authority, stating that Cena’s recent actions were questionable at best.
“You screamed ‘I’M SORRY’ because you knew then and you damn well know now that what you’re doing is not right!”
— CM Punk to John Cena
In a bold move, Punk challenged Cena to a match that very night, though Cena refused, insisting the timing and location were not right. However, WWE officials quickly stepped in to announce that the two wrestling icons will face each other at Night of Champions, scheduled for June 28 in Saudi Arabia. This anticipated “one last time” encounter has fans eager to witness the final chapter in their storied rivalry.
Historic Title Change Rocks the WWE Universe
The night also marked a turning point in the World Heavyweight Title scene. Jey Uso, who achieved a career-highlight victory by securing the title at WrestleMania 41, lost his championship belt to Gunther. Many within the WWE Universe found themselves stunned by the rapid title change.
The unexpected result caught fans off guard, as some believed Uso could have maintained his reign at least until SummerSlam, especially with potential rival Sami Zayn in the mix. Nonetheless, Gunther’s victory positions him as a strong champion with the potential to honor and elevate the title’s lineage in upcoming events, including possible future matchups that could reshape the championship landscape.
Asuka’s Return and WWE’s Accidental Spoiler
Another notable moment of the evening was the return of Asuka, a multi-time women’s champion widely regarded as one of the top competitors in the industry. Her reappearance comes after over a year away from the ring, sparking excitement throughout the WWE roster and fan base.
However, WWE inadvertently revealed Asuka’s comeback earlier than planned during the announcement of the Queen of the Ring Tournament, by including her in bracket graphics prior to airing an official vignette. While this slip-up diminished the surprise, anticipation for Asuka’s role in upcoming storylines remains high, as she looks to reaffirm her dominance in the women’s division.
R-Truth Reinvents Himself as Ron Killings
The episode also saw the return of R-Truth, who dramatically introduced a new persona. Departing from his familiar comedic style, R-Truth delivered a powerful promo atop the announce table, acknowledging the support of his fans and disavowing his past as a “side character,” a reference to past comments from John Cena. To prove his new resolve, he cut off his hair live on air, unveiling his intention to continue his career as Ron Killings.
This heartfelt and intense segment resonated powerfully with fans, propelling Ron Killings back into the spotlight as a leading babyface on the WWE roster and signaling a new chapter in his storied career.
The Road to Night of Champions Promises High Stakes
With the upcoming Night of Champions set for June 28 in Saudi Arabia, anticipation continues to build over the historic showdown between CM Punk and John Cena, as well as fallout from recent title changes and superstar returns. Phoenix’s epic RAW episode has altered the trajectory of key storylines, with Gunther’s rise to World Heavyweight Champion, Asuka’s awaited in-ring return, and Ron Killings’ character evolution likely to dominate WWE conversations in the weeks ahead.
As rivalries heat up and major personalities like Triple H, Bayley, and Sami Zayn remain active in evolving storylines, fans can expect more surprises and emotionally charged developments as the WWE calendar advances toward its next marquee event.
